Paralympics Ireland’s Aspire Programme, proudly supported by Deloitte, will host its third Aspire weekend on Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th, at the Sport Ireland Institute and the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown.
Bringing together a talented group of emerging Para athletes, this two day camp will focus on the theme of “Ownership”, helping participants strengthen their ability to prepare, adapt, and perform at their best, both in competition and beyond.
Under the umbrella theme of “Ownership”, this Aspire weekend invites athletes to explore what it means to be Ready to Perform understanding how to prepare and adapt to their competition environments, and how to take control of the factors that influence their performance.
The weekend’s programme combines practical workshops, performance insights, and athlete led discussion, offering a holistic approach to personal and athletic development.
Saturday: Career Development and Mental Performance
Saturday’s sessions will focus on career development, planning and goal setting, and enhancing mental performance through strategies designed specifically for Para athletes.
Athletes will also take part in sport-specific training sessions, and an “Athlete Voice” session with Jason Smyth, Paralympic legend and role model, who will share his insights on motivation, self-belief, and the importance of taking ownership of one’s journey.
Sunday: Energy, Focus, and the Controllables
Sunday’s programme turns to the topic of energy management and performance mindset. Noel Boyle and Kevin McDonnell from Deloitte will lead a session titled “How Is Your Energy?”, exploring how athletes can maintain focus and balance in demanding environments.
The weekend concludes with Matilda Maine from The True Athlete Project, who will deliver “Performance: The Controllables” a reflective workshop encouraging athletes to identify what they can influence, embrace challenge, and remain grounded in their values.
The Aspire Athletes
The 2025 Aspire cohort represents a diverse and exciting mix of Para sports from across Ireland:
- Para Athletics: Lana Sutton, Cathal Ryan, Brandon Ballard
- Para Cycling: Alister MacSorley, Cormac O’Callaghan, Ciaran O’Toole
- Para Equestrian: Katie Reilly
- Para Triathlon: Elsie Friel
- Para Rowing: Sadhbh Ní Laoighaire
- Para Powerlifting: Niamh Buckley, Sean Hughes, Casey Fitzgerald
- Para Swimming: Luke O’Donoghue, Luke Brennan, Ellie Lynch
- Para Table Tennis: Patrick Vaughan
Brian Hughes, Paralympics Ireland’s Pathway Lead, said: “This weekend marks the third phase of the Aspire journey, and the theme of ‘Ownership’ is central to everything we do. It’s about giving athletes the tools to understand themselves, take responsibility for their preparation, and confidently adapt to their competition environment. The Aspire Programme is about more than performance, it’s about helping athletes grow as people and leaders.”
About the Aspire Programme
The Aspire Programme is a flagship athlete development initiative by Paralympics Ireland, designed to empower the next generation of Para sporting talent through education, mentorship, and holistic support.
Proudly supported by Deloitte, Aspire helps athletes build the skills, mindset, and self-belief needed to thrive in sport and life, encouraging them to see the possibilities and take ownership of their future.
